New Western River Birch tree

kristie73(z5 Co Springs)April 26, 2014

I've decided on a Western River Birch multi trunk tree (Betula occidentalis). I have a space in my side yard that I've tried two different spruce trees and they both died. :(. I think the spot gets too wet or maybe I've planted too deep. My side yard is all river rock. It's a spot close to the front yard that gets sprinkler water in the lawn and I think that front yard lawn water is keeping the side yard spot saturated. So I like the multi stem look, that it may go nicely with the baby blue spruce and Alberta spruces planted nearby. Since this spot seems moist from nearby lawn watering despite not having any drip lines there I think this birch will be good. But since I've had two trees die, I'm anxious for something to grow quickly and I don't want this one to die. Any tips?
I attacked a photo. It's the space on the right about the center of the open space. The other side of the back fence is the front lawn.

I think the other trees (Colorado blue spruce and white fir) planted died because of too much water or planted too deep. They were all potted. The baby blue is not dwarf that was the name on the tag. The soil is mostly clay with some sand. The dry river was both aesthetic and there is a slope and a path that water was already running down. It serves a purpose.